Chickens new to coop eating grass?

[KirstenColorado]

Hi! My three wonderful new friends (a RIR, Austrolorp and Alcona) were just introduced to their outside coop for a few supervised hours a day. They are having a blast, and are so hilarious to watch! However, I have a few crabgrass/prairie grass areas sprouting through the clay and packed dirt floor. Among all of the other things for them to scratch for, they seem to really enjoy eating the whole dang piece of grass. I don't mind getting rid of the grass, but I don't want them to get sick. They still eat from their feeder and use their water bottle in the pen, though....is this okay?

 

[PapaChaz]

do you have grit available to them? they'll need it if you don't. Nothing wrong at all with them eating the grass. give it a month (if that long) there won't be a blade of grass left in the run at all

 

[Titanpaul726]

I throw all the grass I pick out of my garden to the chickens. It always looks like they're going to gorge on it til they're sick! Haven't any problems and they really enjoy it.

 

[KirstenColorado]

Great to know, thanks all! They get plenty of grit in their "baby food", but now that they're old enough to spend a few hours outside, it's a great new learning curve!

 

[PapaChaz]

Great to know, thanks all! They get plenty of grit in their "baby food", but now that they're old enough to spend a few hours outside, it's a great new learning curve!

how old are they? after the first week or so, you can just put the grit in a separate 'feeder' instead of sprinkling with their food. They'll take as they need

I throw them in some clippings and/or weeds from the flower beds or garden when available. Just make sure it's nothing that's been treated with bug poison or chemical fertilizers

 

[GuppyTJ]

Chickens eat grass often. Dandalion greens are also a favorite. And you don't need to feed them special grit if they're foraging outside on dirt. They'll pick up plenty of grit from the soil. And they know how much they need and will take in the right amount vs. you adding it to their food. So, in general, whether it's grit or oyster shell, ensure they have a supply of it and let them take what they need vs. adding it to their feed. Individually, they can then regulate the optimal intake based on their individual needs.

Guppy